Kirk Hammett Gets Real About Fame And Why His Kids Won't Be In The Music Industry
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- Опубликовано: 9 фев 2025
- Kirk Hammett Gets Real About Fame And Why His Kids Won't Be In The Music Industry
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I met Kirk when I was a teenager in 1999 as a stage hand sitting on a box eating a sandwich and watching him just walk around the outdoor stage (workers are not allowed to talk to the talent). He was playing a ESP decked out with "The Mummy" movie painting wireless just doing classical scales alone with the full force of an amphitheater sound system.
He approached me and asked "do you play?"... I said "yeah I play." He then handed me a guitar pick and asked "what do you think about these?" It was the guitar picks being handed out as a promo of the current tour they where headlining with their logo on one side and a cartoon depiction of the band on the other side. I said "honestly? it's a lot thicker and stiffer then anything I would use." he replied "yeah! exactly... no one would actually use these, I don't think I like that."
Then I asked him about the wireless system because I had never seen that before and Kirk happily began explaining it to me in detail to the point that I got nervous about getting fired because I was having a conversation I wasn't supposed to be having lol.
I always just thought it was so amazing that a rock star at the height of his career was so willing to have a casual conversation with a young peon like me.
Another reason that I miss 1999. I was 18 and going to concerts back to back. I almost made it back stage at Woodstock 99. Good times. Immortal times. I took no pictures of the times but when I watch videos, I can spot myself in a mosh pit. It was a huge area for the festival so thank god for check points where I know I’d be at.
That's such a Kirk convo. Everything I've heard about the guy is that he's super-friendly and talks to everyone.
I wish I could shake your hand!! You are a legend in your right! I'm going to make this short because I typed out a lot prior to this comment I'm posting right now. The page had refreshed and I lost everything that I had. What would make you a legend though is he wholeheartedly agreed with your opinion/advice, and as a musician. He Wasn't looking at them from an aesthetic view. He wanted people to be able to use those guitar picks not just have them for show. Anyways in 2013, I go to a Metallica concert and picked up a few guitar picks that had been thrown to the crowd . I still have those guitar picks to this very day and if I pick up a guitar I use them. Which means, if he went about using actual guitar picks, instead of aesthetic merchandise, then he did that because of your point of view, and his matching thoughts on it as well. which would in turn be the the reason why I have actual Metallica Guitar Picks, and I've kept them for so long. So, If I'm not mistaken then YOU'RE the reason why anybody would have a real guitar pick from them. ALSO bro, If that isn't one of the most METAL stories I've ever heard then idk what would be. Thank You,and I appreciate you for sharing this with us common folk! 😁🙏 #Neverforget #NoLifeTilLeather #MetalUpYourAss 🙏🙏🤜🤛👏🙏❤️🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘
Kirks good people.
@@Incel_81 god I wish I could have been there for that first day. The second and third day not so much haha
I absolutely love how Kirk expresses himself and you can just feel the emotion and passion he has for music and life in general! This whole interview was a gem. I hate that Metallica had to disable the comments under this interview because I saw some people saying Kirk was on drugs and making all these rude comments/jokes about the way he talks. If you're a real fan you know that Kirk is an introverted guy and talking isn't his strong suit. He's said in the past that he has lots of anxiety and it shows in many interviews. On stage with his brothers is where he feels the most comfortable. It's sad so many keyboard warriors love to make dumb comments about Kirk who's arguably the sweetest person in the metal scene. Keep going Kirk, the real Metallica fans got your back!
He's a very sensitive person - you can tell from his personality. I'm pretty similar to him in a of ways, but I've learned to toughen up and be less sensitive in order to be able to handle the real world.
he is definitly on drugs. he gets very nervous with interviews
@@asgore
Lots of people who don't do drugs have social anxiety issues and act nervous.
Sounds like a reasonable suspicion considering he was stammering. He's probably on anti anxiety meds considering he admits to high anxiety. No need to try and virtue signal and act all high and mighty lol I think people mean is he on meds, not heroin.
Ja, he's always been like this: Kirk. To me, he's a really honest guy, he genuinely wears his heart on his sleeve.
I love his comment about playing music “with or without” anyone. That’s a sign of a truly passionate, honest and real musician.
yess
Yeah man that’s been me for awhile now. Nobody hears my progress but me
Sure would like to find some other guys to jam with though and people to hear to hear my chops improving and when I’m right in the pocket (they will man) but I agree even if it’s just my own thing in a basement or my backyard right now, it’s all mine. I’m sure like a lot of us, music has always been my constant companion from a child onward and famous or not I am truly grateful for the gift of music. If there is a god, or angels, music is truly their voice.
@@stevejohnston8543 great sentiment Steve. I don’t think anyone needs to tell you to keep going just as you are and doing just what you’re doing. To me, you sound like you’re already there. Good for you man.
@@tomdbass1 Thanks a bunch man.
Lol…I mean…he can say that now through the retrospectoscope.
When Cliff passed away and Jason left this man was the glue that kept it from ever falling apart over the years. The guy that basically started the entire thrash scene with his band Exodus. He has seen a LOT in his lifetime. Respect.
Wrong. Lars's narcissist agenda kept Metallica afloat. But nice try. It's amazing how fans know nothing about their idols. lol
@@DoubleD72 You mean the Danish leprechaun? Yeah he has been grifting hard since the early 90s.
Oh definitely, in “Some Kind of Monster”, Lars and James are just at each other’s throats and Kirk is in the middle trying to keep them from killing each other while also trying to hold the band together.
@@DoubleD72it's been 3 months. You any less dumb?
My favorite lead guitarist. I love that he is “sensitive” and seems nervous in interviews. He’s authentic. Keep goin Kirk!!
I think Kirk is the only reason Metallica has lasted this long. He was the constant positive influence on the other guys through all of their darkest times.
I believe that!
He seems like such a nice guy.
No.
So Jason and Robert were never positive ? Kirk didn't seem too "positive" when he started flipping out with TDS
@@tonyt.5771 Nice guys finish last
When I'm trying not to cry while speaking to someone, i sound just like Kirk Hammett
hahahah
* a drunk Kirk Hammett
he sounds like a wah wah
I see what you mean, he's an emotional fella, wears his heart on his sleeve, he is true to himself - a legend
@@thursfield3107Kirk's definitely a sweet dude. Back in the 80s there was a rumor concerning it in my circles. He's just a perpetual kid really
Kirk looks great for his age , and still have the same youth in his voice.
He was the reason I grabbed a guitar 30 years ago when I was a kid .
Nah, he looks about pretty average for his age.
@@covid19alpha2variantturboc7 Add on that road life, though. He looks pretty good for 60, though I don't think he's had many addictions like everyone else.
Dude, he looks old and he is. We all age.
Same.....
He is the reason probably millions picked up a guitar whether they still play Metallica many did in the beginning including myself and I still play it daily as routine warm-ups.
Damn, he really put the music business in perspective. You always hear about how great it is, and you travel the world, meet new people, go on adventures; but not many people flat-out say "this might get you killed." Like, that hit pretty hard, because he's so right. Just made he think back on all the people we've lost over the last 50-60 years in rock 'n roll to utter tragedy.
He had to experience Cliff Burton dying when the band's tour bus crashed. If Kirk hadn't switched places with Cliff on the bus during that night, Kirk would have probably died instead.
He isn’t saying anything profound calm down
@@deadmarch101 Actually, yes he is. Simply because he's talking about the dark side of the music business. People who wanna make it big in the music business either don't see or think of the negative side and when they do think about it, they let the positive outweigh it. Kirk even said that Metallica were all innocent when they got together. It's really not worth all the potential bullshit.
@@mattlee4297 Cliff had his window open. If it was closed Cliff would be here.
@@joshburns4611 I don’t know if some of you are younger if you think this is profound or enlightening. Knowledge that the music industry is a meat grinder, that more often hurts and crushes musicians than enriches them (artistically and financially) is old news.
Gotta love Kirk. Even at Metallica's biggest, he still kept the band, and himself, somewhat level-headed. He's just as responsible for Metallica's longevity as James and Lars.
If anything he was always the most level-headed out of all of them
If anyone wasn't there, Metallica would have fallen apart. Lars is the boss, the composer, and the majority songwriter with James. James is the frontman and driving force. And you're right, Kirk is the level-headed one. On top of Lars handling everything as the boss, and James pushing them forward, Kirk is the one that keeps them themselves. And let's not forget Jason's contribution... after the loss of Cliff, Metallica was fractured... broken. But Jason held them together with everything he had and then some. He didn't care about the hazing and constant abuse. He loved Metallica and knew how badly they needed to be held together. And then after the band grew up a bit, Jason was burned-out and left, now that Metallica could go on without him. And then came Rob... the perfect fit for Metallica as they now were (with Cliff fitting in perfectly with the young, revolutionary, adolescent Metallica, then the endlessly energetic and powerful Jason fitting perfectly with the Metallica that ruled the world, and then finally Rob, with the fully-matured Metallica who just keeps going, doing what they love).
Everyone has always been crucial to the band's continued existence.
Yep. He's a sweetheart and a quiet achiever. Wrote quite a few of the band's most loved riffs, but never mentions it, never has a bad word to say about anyone, just a positive good hearted person. James and Lars would have been in a much worse position had they not had a rock like Kirk to fall back on.
No he isn't. He's just there. Metallica's longevity is entirely Lars' doing.
@@captainjefferies9047 Dude he is a good artist arranger but is the only arrogant shitmeister in the band kirk is A good example of A human being.
"I wouldn't push my kids into this"
Real talk.
Amazing he's one of the best and most famous guitar players in the history of metal, he's filthy rich, and still sounds real, humble, with his head screwed on right. So rare. Good for you, Kirk. Love these guys.
Dude's just classy.
@@christ1666 Predict Kirk will reveal HE is a SHE in a couple years, when he gotten so old and out of the game that she do not care any longer...
I love how open and honest he is. It's always amazed me a guy that is as quiet and shy as Kirk is such a power house with the guitar. I've really been getting into his solo work that he's put out recently and it's incredible. I truly believe he doesn't get the personal recognition he deserves, yes he gets it as a member of the band but he doesn't get it for just him. You're awsone brother thanks for the great music.
Yes! When people talk about the greatest guitarists ever the same usual names always come up, deservedly so, but Kirk is always overlooked. Very underrated.
@@joehansen9447He is an overrated hack. The perpetual wah pedal us to mask his slop. Worst vibrato in the business.
love this band. We are so lucky to be alive at a time where we can see these icons just show how down to earth and HARD WORKING they are.
Bleeugh pass the sick bag
They have managed their careers very well all things considered, pretty amazing
Have you ever seen James just walking around with his ax, just thumbing around? It's absolutely beautiful! It's literally a subconscious language to him.
They are incredibly hard working and gifted as fuc
I know he's not the most talented or "technical" guitarist, or even good as his younger days (who is) but he'll forever be my favorite guitar player. I'm almost 40 & picked up a guitar bc of him The first time I heard Fade To Black, especially the outro solo, that was it for me. May the Good Lord continue to bless the Tallica boys for years to come
same.....when I was learning to play I would start the AJ4A cd on ONE(track 4) and play along through the whole rest of the album over and over and over and over. I'm sure I learned those songs wrong but it got my fingers limbered up.
indeed, that outro solo makes you screaming every single time “how does this really end?”
He was a killer soloist and perfect fit to replace Dave's chaos solo style. His solos on Puppets and AJFA are legendary. I think he was very technical and talented. He helped write the songs on the two best albums.
I’m so happy he’s raising his boys with such love and sensitivity. He went through A LOT, so that he’s shielding his kids and realizing that fame doesn’t happen for everyone regardless of who mom and dad are, is pretty fn awesome. Let your kids choose. Good call Kirk 🤘🤘🤘
"There's no guarantee they'll have the same success I had."
Dude, there's 0 chance.
That's the most delusional thing he's said in this video. The fact that a band as aggressive as metallica had as much success as they have is something that happens only once in a life time. Literally, there's been no metal band as successful as them since
@@Gguy061 you also have to look at it from the right angle. He was there, in a blooming scene where hardcore was evolving into thrash with influence from the British and Danish metal bands, he helped pioneer a certain style of metal and simply was at the right places at the right times. There are still acts that are relatively new who have reached superstardom, much like Metallica, but just don't play metal. Equally, I think he's talking about thrash/metal in general, as while a lot of his fellow Bay Area bands were fairly large in their own right during the 80s (Exodus, Dark Angel, Possessed), they didn't reach the same heights. You can be very successful in music but you have to play your cards right and that's why I think he said there's "no guarantee" instead of "0% chance". Apologies for the wall of text
Today, if they make a 'career', they most likely will be presenting gear on social media channels.
@@thomask.9850 How profound
@@wcnmvp3820 Moreover, their career exploded when they got more commercial with the Black Album. Hadn't they released that one, I don't think they would have reached their current status (compare them with the other three big Thrash bands)
Kirk is extremely gifted and talented. He’s also so down to earth, honest, and humble. I’m so glad that he didn’t listen to his mother, and I’ll just bet that she is too! 👍🤘
He's not gifted, he is lucky. He's average.. or below, often.
@@morbidmanmusic wah. Wah
@@morbidmanmusic Where are your songs at online so I can judge how good or bad your song writing is
@@ytr3488 That wah wah has him rolling in the hundred of millions of $$$. Unlike me and I presume you as well
@@morbidmanmusic
You really put below average in perspective. If below average is being responsible for some of the most epic riffs and solos in Metal history, I'd rather be below average.
Metallica disabled the comments on this video because so many people were taking the piss out of Kirk. Sad, really. Kirk is a living legend and a Thrash Metal pioneer that's written so many iconic solos and riffs!
Yeah, the same keyboard warriors who cant even take 1/100th pressure of the music industry sitting and poking fun at the legend himself. Sad bunch.
Hi Mikey.
That just shows how brain dead people are!
Kirk is really opening up, and honest here. How anyone can take the piss shows how illiterate they are!
@@DarkLabProductions If Metallica never made the Black album then I guarantee they’d be lumped in with all other thrash bands from the 80’s. People don’t like admitting that the Black album is what skyrocketed their career
He gets a ton of undeserved flack. He's a little bit like Lars in that no matter how well he plays he's always gonna get criticism. He's a monumental piece of the Metallica puzzle, and I'm willing to bet a major part of why they're still together. I couldn't care less if the guy flubs a note here and there. I don't listen to music expecting perfection. If it moves me it moves me.
@@mattdad8429 I think a lot of the flack he and Lars gets in recent years comes from the narrative that Dave Mustaine has been pushing (again) recently about stealing his music and solos while every month he gets a hefty royalty paycheck
Kirk, you and Brian May got me into guitar. Started at 12 and now im 41. It literally saved my life, and continues to be and endless source of joy. Thank you.
Brian and Kirk are the ones who got me into guitar as well. Most people talk about wanting to go for a beer with their guitar hero but with Kirk and Brian I just want to sit with them and talk about anything really. Doesn't even need to be music related in the slightest.
Haha same here. And when I was 12 too
Yeah being a rockstar is everyone dream but little people realize how much hard work and sacrifice you guys go through, as a kid who grew up in the 80’s and 90’s all i can say is thank you, anytime i hear a Metallica song it always bring me back to a great time in life!
Based.
One solo of his that is monumental is dyers eve. Kirk is a living legend. In the eighties as a kid these guys pulled me through the darkest time of my life. I will never forget the music and the connection I got from their first four albums!
I’d give up one of my balls to be able to play that solo perfectly.
Their first four albums pulled a lot of us through our teenage years and opened our eyes to what music could be when it was NOT popular to look or sound like that.
Really .....guess you like Taylor Swift and Lady ga ga
You mean the albums that Cliff Burton was on. They were classics. After he died they turned into S.H.!.T.
I remember seeing Kirk 40 years ago on the back cover of’kill em all’ and thinking he looked nothing like the thrash metal he played. 40 years later and I think he is responsible for some of the best solos ever written.
Not only his memorable melodic solos, but his riffs. He came up with a ton of riffs, especially on Ride and Puppets, that will be remembered quite literally for centuries.
@@mattdad8429 Hetfield just recently said it best, Kirk will just out of nowhere mine a piece of gold and everyone will wonder where did you get that from!
I'm glad the genre is dead
What made you think he didnt look like the music he played? How did he look any different than the other three?
At first I thought they were all going to have lower manly voices and weren't nerdy and geeky at all for some reason, lol.
Kirk is such a soft hearted soul, so shy, almost innocent.
He's always been that way, he does his speaking through the guitar
Michael Jackson Vibez - The Weird Allegations
@@fifthchild8265 i get that vibe from you for no reason at all
My son played lead guitar in a heavy metal band when he was younger. He practiced everyday and arranged the songs for the band he played in.
Music was his second "thing" in life. His first thing is chemistry. I was there to support him no matter which life he wanted to pursue.
Go Dad! ;)
Sounds like your son did it the smart way, peruse your dreams, but have a solid back-up plan.
Saw them play live yesterday for the first time and it was one of the most amazing experiances I've ever had. It's crazy that they're around 60 and still can preform such amazing shows
So lucky...I'm still waiting to see them for the first time myself. Did they play anything from the early albums?
@@A77-c5h I was on the second show in sweden and they played a few songs from the new album but mostly old. Whiplash, ride the lightning, one, welcome home, blackened and a few more. It was really awesome
You know what he is, a real father who protects his children.
My music teachers told me to finish university. My Uni teachers told me to keep learning music. Now I have the best of both worlds. Thank you Kirk✌️🤘🇦🇺🏴
Ooooh my gosh!! I just LOVE this one!! He’s the oldest in the band but always looked the youngest! His HANDSOME baby face💛 & one of thee greatest guitarists!
He mentions just some of the things I saw or predicted or knew through documentaries and soul searching and found out many years ago, that I did not want to be in that business. For a few years in my late teens I thought it was in my future, but the more I learned the less attracted to it I became. But I still had a massive passion for creating music and I realised early that at the core, I create music for myself, a personal expression. Not for money, fame or fortune. I was not a fan of the thought of touring and living life on the road as I am not a fan of travelling. Thankfully, at the right time in my life I was introduced to being able to make music on a computer, recording my guitar jacked into a PC. And thus I found my own path of music creation with no compromises to my creativity, integrity and not having any hooks in me from the Music Industry/entertainment industry. Find your own way to express yourself and enjoy freedom! \m/ Oh and the new Metallica album KICKS ASS!!!!
Forty years after signing on with Metallica, he's aged quite well; good to see these guys gaining different perspectives on their gig with age as well, as he said the industry destroys people. Older and wiser for the decades of experience.
It’s hard to keep ur composure and not help but get emotional when Kirk talks about being devoured and not coming back. It’s fucking heartbreaking to not cry thinking about Cliff Burton 😔 LOVE U CLIFF
Same age and I totally agree the world was a different place back then the industry has completely changed ….. there’s no music scene now or young virtuoso’s coming up to keep our eyes on….
Once this generation retires … who’s gonna carry the torch man?!!!! Scary and sad
They must have hit a chord with him.He really sounded seconds from crying…Having kids really changes how you see the world..Maybe just imagining his kids going through the same things he has seen was enough to push him there..
No one forced him to be a employee for James and LouseY Lars
@@CP-kb1dubitch what
@@CP-kb1du He fought hard to be part of that.
But the business is brutal.
Kirk tells it how it is. He’s humble about his achievements and position. He KNOWS he is second place but knows he has won the game despite that. And he knows that it has been much harder than he ever acknowledged in the past at the time , to the point where he won’t want his kids to follow in his footsteps.
We love you Kirk!!! You & the boys have done great & whatever the issues you overcame them all. As fans their music takes out of the problems & worries of our own lives.
Great reflective interview of Kirk Hammett. Sharing life experiences. Musical path had chosen in life...while looking back at it all forty years later. The true passionate musician. Cheers for the post.
For the first time I feel like I love this guy. It’s fascinating how your perspective changes when you see the real human behind the persona. Love and Respect 🤘
truth weighs quite a bit
Nice to hear his honesty about all sides . Everything he learned . Responsible to his kids . wants them to understand the whole truth about this kind of entertainment industry life
Wisdom, self knowledge and a true understanding of his kids. He sounds like a great dad. I hope he gets enough time with his family ❤
I love that 40 years later he still gets choked up talking about his life.
something wrong with him... why is he always crying?? no wonder James moved away from San Fran..
something in the water there turns men into estrogen boys
I love Kirk, he is just so genuine. I never knew his mom was so against him becoming a musician. It's inspiring that he still went ahead and did it!
How can you not love this guy!
Kirk Hammett probably had the most influence on me as a guitar player. Played only his signatures models growing up, listened and played almost exclusively Metallica! But today was the day I fell in love with him as a person.
Man...40 years on the road. Thats a brutal commitment. You miss so many precious moments with your kids. Nothing but respect. NorCal baby!!!
I love Kirk and how emotional he gets when talking about things that matter to him and talking about things he loves.
I can relate to his emotions, because I’m a sensitive guy. Empath.
Same here. I respect someone even more that gets emotional over their passion. I’ve been playing myself for 20+ years now and I can relate to the comment of this being his calling.
“ it was like a Life line to me “, that’s how Metallica’s music is for me , helped me bounce back from depression, and dark times in my life Thank you
I respect these guys for NOT parading their children around in front of cameras and the like.
Absolutely completely and totally lLOVE KIRK as a person and artist so talented & humble ❤❤❤
I was on the small stage of music, I can' only imagine the amount of depression that surrounds the day in day out life of any musician that made it to national stage. Everyone is out to use you or step on you yo get ahead. Girls who have no respect ( not the gold digger) for themselves and you can see the amount of regret in their face, guys too. I mean even if there is no contract in blood, you still sell your soul little by little. Happy Kirk made to the other side
So famous and yet so humble. Out of the whole band he still the same humble person.
Whether you love ‘em or hate em, he’s right and he’s ONE of the best, and NOT just at guitar, but at being a decent human being and ALL THE baggage that comes along with THAT gig too!🤘🖖✌️🎸🎸🎸🥇🎼👌👍
I love how honest & humble he is, despite his success. He's never forgot where he started, despite the notoriety of today. Yes, the band needs him,(don't ever quit Kurt, it wouldn't be the same without you). You have such a natural talent. Always stay kind, sensitive, & always be you.
Gosh damn I love these guys. Kirk is definitely a pillar of his community. I have no doubt he’s just as responsible for keeping it all together over the years as James and Lars.
Kirk is such sweet guy. He ALWAYS speaks from the heart. Love the shout-out to UFO there at the end. I only started getting into them in the last few years and I'm pissed at myself that I took so long.
Kirk thank you for being true to yourself and keeping things in perspective! Enjoyed your band since the early years! Great shows and keep on Rocking! ❤👊🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼✌🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
When the binge and purge box set came out in the 90s, i had dreams of hanging out with metallica.. obsessed by the music. I couldn't believe the same band made so many fave songs.!! to this day I still wanna jam with the guys. they are the only band I have ever really " loved"
Thank you Kirk for solidifying my belief that I am here to play and make music!
He’s definitely a heart of gold. I met him twice here in Honolulu where I live and believe his wife and kids are too. Very respectful and a genuine person.
Every interview I've seen Kirk in since the 80s, I'm always waiting for a random hand to come in off screen with a tissue for him.
😂😂😂😂😂
Producer: “Kirk…. Kirk… here… tissue.”
@@jmaynez2332 🤣
so what?
love Kirk humbleness, I can relate when he said his mother don't like him being a musician even Jo Koy's mother who doesn't want him to be a comedian because we asian are paying attention to a white collar jobs like doctors, nurses, lawyers etc., we think musician, comedian doesn't do much for a living but sometimes as Kirk mentioned every one represent something.
Kirk is slowly turning into a wise old uncle, I feel the Bowie vibes. Glad to see him going strong and passionate about music.
See a need, fill a need. People tend to disregard how important musicians are. They're artists, creators, storytellers, inspirational leaders even. Music is critical to humanity. Our universe is made up of frequencies, and music is a key component of that aspect. Nothing but respect for this guy because he realizes the importance of fulfilling a calling a lot of us feel but are seldomly able to achieve. We shouldn't let corrupt industries prevent us from creating when it's become such a driving force to keep moving forward for so many who hear it and feel inspired.
What a career What a talent 👏
Agree
He's a living legend \m/
HE LOOK LIKE CHRISTOPHER WALKEN
Kirk is one of the all time great lead guitarists for sure !! When he lined up with one of the best rhythm guitarists, just history from there.
He gets a ton of crap for his wah and pentatonic but he fit that band like a glove, love the dude
He understands there's something more dark and sinister about that business and doesn't want his children to be around it
So beautiful the way his words it amazing down to earth and so humble. Thoughtful and deeply touch by his words on this interview.
He's absolutely right. The industry is sick and pathological in many ways, not just the mainstream sickness at the top of the charts and the awards, etc. Apart from that, if you're interested in music and you want to make a career out of it, good luck. Make sure you have something solid to not just to fall back on but to support you through the process, and remember what Lemmy said: you have to be in the right place at the right time. This is essential as with anything, including the expression of genius in science, etc. You can try and strategically position yourself, and some will have more success than others doing that, but there are some deep aspects that you just can't substitute or account for, such as cultural roots and extensive immersion. When you look at Kirk's history, it's a great example of this, such as being taught by Joe Satriani.
This is so cool. You can see that. despite his success, Kirk has not lost touch with himself and who he is. He still seems to have a strong sense of curiousity and wanderlust about him. Lets hope he keeps these.
Always liked Kirk and I’m glad for his success. I think it’s great he realizes he got very lucky. Among music, I’ve tried other endeavors and it just didn’t work for me. I wish I had realized it earlier in my life and things might be better now. Perseverance is a virtue, but knowing when to stop and move on, that’s superior wisdom and I wish I had it.
His comments about playing music as a calling reminded me of Keith Richards being asked about retiring. Basically, he said, “To do what? I’ve never wanted to do anything else and at this point I can’t do anything else.” Like Keef, it looks like the all-or-nothing gamble paid off!👍🏾👍🏾
Beautiful real open and honest ...as always. Love you Kirk, thanks for it all...
As a fan I cannot imagine the life on the road Metallica has managed to sustain. They are road warriors, true kings of metal and rock, and people love them because they were real from day one. Still, this music is hard to play day in and day out and I am just left in awe of their sustained momentum. They are definite survivors and deserve recognition. Seeing them in 1988, having just lost their bassist and bringing on board Jason Newsted to tour on the Monsters of Rock with Kingdom Come, Dokken, Scorpions and Van Halen. Metallica are still playing, the rest?
and that's before bands got wise to the labels riding them like rented mules making them do sold out shows almost every single night. I'm glad to see alot of bands are figuring out that they don't have to kill themselves with that many shows per week.
Damn bro,Metallica has become last of the mohicans! A cool heavy metal melodic band from America yet more popular as opposed to 1988. 40 yrs ago,not 1 Soul could've predicted this,james/lars included. Not the fan I was as 15 but when they go to eternity,this old boy here is gonna cry. Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam!
When the Black Album came out it was a dark time in my life & hearing new Metallica at the time helped me get threw it. Thanks Kirk & James & Lars as well. ❤
A whole generation of kids play guitar and metallica riffs were the standard
Imagine millions of kids learning every note you are playing
I’m one of them.
they still are the standard
The most seriously devoted rock/metal fans I've met share one primary thing in common: Michael Shenker/UFO.
Kirk is the coolest member of Metallica. No ego, no BS and no drama... that I can tell.
Such a deep, wise, and well-spoken stoner.
Wish I could just meet him in real life. His teenage solos are just unbelievably melodic and complex.
UFO - a perfect balance of thunder/catchy riffs and melodic vocals. I can understand Kirk's appreciation for them.
You should always be so proud of you achievement in life Kirk & know your truly a super legendary guitarist & your my favorite guitarist ever you have always touched my soul with your music Kirk thank you for your music 🎸🎶🤘👍🖤
I absolutely love obviously the way Kirk Hammett is 150%family based and the brilliant icon he thought of as an influence Michael Schenker brilliant guitarist with UFO
Finally, i’ve been waiting since Black Album for Kirk to finally open up. Now saying that, i wanted him to feel strong enough in himself bc he now understands why he is what he is. A shy, kind, good guy. As a fan have the solos kinda disappointed me a little, yes. But who the fuck am I, Right.I’m just a diehard fan, who loves everything about metallica. The good and the bad!!! On that note all bands have good stuff and bad stuff it’s all subjective to the person good is bad, bad is good. Anyway, kirk keep finding and digging on becoming the best version of yourself as you can. I say that to all who read this. EVERYONE BE YOURSELF and let the world see the light through your eyes.
He may not always show it, but goddam it, sometimes Kirk seems to be the _smartest_ dude in the room! 🤟🤟
I love Kirk, he's such a cool person. Not to mention one of the best metal guitar players ever.
I see a real nice guy. I see some honesty it’s really refreshing. I appreciate someone opening up like that.
I was never really impressed by Kirk's playing until several years ago I read an interview with Scott Ian where he said something about Kirk's rhythm playing is impressive because he has to keep up with James. I recently listened to the catalog after 72 Seasons was released and have a new appreciation for Kirk's playing.
oh give me a break... what about all his leads on the whole master of puppets album? The greatest metal album of all time....
Are you deaf? How tf does it take someone 40 years worth of albums for them to finally realize: hey, this dude might be actually be good?
Been back to this video over an over. It’s real to the heart truth an amazing man telling it 🤘🏼🤘🏼
Im so glad Kirk said what he said. Let his kids live a regular normal life
If everyone was this honest, insightful & kind the world would be a much better place.
Kirk wrote many of the legendary riffs in Metallica songs...I've seen James finally giving him his credit due in these last few years.
Kirk knew he lucked out being a very successful musician. It took hard work, talent, AND luck. More difficult than winning the lottery. He doesn't want to set unrealistic expectations on his children and screw them up.
I echo Kirks sentiments exactly… as a Factory worker of 30 years I would of Died if I didn’t. Corporate America is a dirty bidness😮 one I don’t ever want my child to grow to be.😢
Kirk seems soo real in every interview I have seen, like just the dude next door.
I applaud the fact that he doesn't want his kids in the dog eat dog world that is the music industry. Keep on keeping on, brother. 🤘🏼
Love him or think less of him, Kirk Hammett inspired so many generations worldwide to play heavy metal music. Kirk was a huge inspiration to me for wanting to be a lead guitar player. Kirk lived a young rock star life and indulged himself in the benefits that come along with the package for the first 10-15 years in his career but, not for nothing, he was one of the few people in this industry that kept himself grounded, considering the era he developed his status in, which is why he's still around to this day.
God this puts a lot into perspective
Metallica is my favorite metal band by far, and I love playing music, I play for my cousin RIP Trevor and for myself. I love music period and play because its my therapy and if i dont i cant release the demons inside of me so to speak.
Awesome interview ❤😊
The music industry no longer has the opportunity that it used to have. That is an immense change from 20 years ago.
It is amazing and beyond any musicians are still alive from the late 1970s through Metal's golden years of the 1980s. The Entertainment industry strips humans of their emotions and humanity. You can tell he was ready to start gushing near the end. It is ok to let it out Kirk!
The fact they can't relate to any other band is part of it,don't let them fool you. There are in a no man's land not thrash or death metal not hard rock not modern soulless paint by numbers boring leftist so called "punk rock" not nü metal for damn sure blah blah blah. They're on their on,takes a lot of GRIT whether soul mind spirit or body on daily basis to live in such a manner. Sounds inane but think about it for a second,it is a lot of pressure.
Love hearing him talk about the reality of the industry but also the joy of music 😎👌👏 I agree 100% always loved the playing on stage and locking in with the band but what happens as soon as you start getting recognized is...brutal the higher you go.